Friday, July 31, 2009

Top 5 Fruit and Vegetable Juices to Improve Your Health

It is well known that most adults lack the proper amount of fruit and vegetable servings in their daily food intake. Because of this, our bodies lack the proper vitamins and minerals to function at optimum performance. You may notice you lack the energy to complete your daily tasks, take afternoon naps, or have a weak immune system which requires visits to your doctor on a frequent basis. To help bridge the gap and improve your own health, supplement your diet with these five fruits and vegetables that pack the most vitamins and minerals per serving and are essential for a healthy body.

Cranberry
Cranberry juice is highly beneficial to your health and is an excellent choice of juice for your morning meal or afternoon snack. Each glass of cranberry juice contains many essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene and more. Cranberry juice has powerful antioxidants which are known to support a healthy cardiovascular system. Other benefits include stronger teeth and bones, support in weight loss, protection against urinary tract infections and more. Daily serving should be between one and three glasses for overall health and wellness benefits.


Blueberry
Blueberries are known to have the highest amount of antioxidants of any fruit or vegetable. Antioxidants are an important part of your daily health as they neutralize by-products including free radicals that damage our bodies and create age related problems including cancer. The damage to our bodies that free radicals create includes cataracts, varicose veins, heart disease and cancer. Blueberries are also known to provide added protection against colon and ovarian cancer. Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have discovered that blueberries can lower the risk of cholesterol. The researchers determined that they can even improve cholesterol levels better than most prescription drug medications. Other important benefits of drinking blueberry juice include improvements in your short term memory as well as urinary health, brain function, and cognitive functions.



Tomato
Tomato juice should be an important part of your diet as the benefits are numerous. Tomato juice is an excellent source for vitamins A, C, and K. Tomato juice also provides a good amount of potassium, magnesium, dietary fiber, and B1. Another excellent benefit of tomato juice is the antioxidant benefits of lycopene which is present in tomatoes. Lycopene has been researched extensively in the last several years and has been found to aid in the prevention of heart disease, and many different types of cancers such prostate, lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer. This cartenoid has higher concentration in organic tomatoes and is usually found in concentrations as high as three times more in organic ketchup than in regular. Tomatoes have many other benefits such as lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, improved blood circulation, and other improvements to your health. The benefits are extensive and it's an important vegetable that should be present in your daily diet.


Orange
There is a reason many Americans start their day with a fresh squeezed glass of orange juice. The number one reason is of course the Vitamin C content present in just one serving. One orange provides 100% of your daily value of vitamin C. Other nutritional content includes dietary fiber, B1, potassium, and calcium. Orange juice is a vital to a healthy strong immune system, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Orange juice can also boost your metabolism, raise your energy levels, and be an anti-inflammatory agent. It's no wonder why so many Americans choose to boost their mornings with a large glass of orange juice.


Carrot
Carrot juice may be often overlooked for your breakfast beverage of choice but you should take a closer look. Carrot juice is known for its Vitamin A content as well as being an excellent source for vitamins C, K, and dietary fiber. One powerful nutrient found in carrot juice is beta-carotene which is known to protect your vision. Other benefits include prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and regulating your blood sugar. Carrot juice is an ideal juice for improving your health.

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